I shall send this long letter by Collins,* who changes
his day to oblige me. As none of our letters
by Wilson’s conveyance have miscarried, when
you have been in more apparently-disagreeable situations
than you are in at present, [I have no doubt] that
this will go safe.

* See Letter XX. of this volume.

Miss Lardner* (whom you have seen hat her cousin Biddulph’s)
saw you at St. James’s church on Sunday was
fortnight. She kept you in her eye during the
whole time; but could not once obtain the notice of
your’s, though she courtesied to you twice.
She thought to pay her compliments to you when the
service was over; for she doubted not but you were
married—­and for an odd reason—­because
you came to church by yourself. Every eye, (as
usual, wherever you are,) she said was upon you; and
this seeming to give you hurry, and you being nearer
the door than she, you slid out before she could get
to you. But she ordered her servant to follow
you till you were housed. This servant saw you
step into a chair which waited for you; and you ordered
the men to carry you to the place where they took
you up. She [describes the house] as a very genteel
house, and fit to receive people of fashion: [and
what makes me mention this, is, that perhaps you will
have a visit from her; or message, at least.]

* See Letter XX. of this volume.

[So that you have Mr. Doleman’s testimony to
the credit of the house and people you are with; and
he is] a man of fortune, and some reputation; formerly
a rake indeed; but married to a woman of family; and
having had a palsy blow, one would think a penitent.*
You have [also Mr. Mennell’s at least passive
testimony; Mr.] Tomlinson’s; [and now, lastly,
Miss Lardner’s; so that there will be the less
need for inquiry: but you know my busy and inquisitive
temper, as well as my affection for you, and my concern
for your honour. But all doubt will soon be lost
in certainty.]

[Nevertheless I must add, that I would have you] command
me up, if I can be of the least service or pleasure
to you.* I value not fame; I value not censure; nor
even life itself, I verily think, as I do your honour,
and your friendship—­For is not your honour
my honour? And is not your friendship the pride
of my life?

* See Letter XX. of this volume.

May Heaven preserve you, my dearest creature, in honour and safety, is
the prayer, the hourly prayer, of

Your ever-faithful and affectionate,Annahowe.

Thursdaymorn. 5.

I have written all night. [Excuse indifferent writing;
my crow-quills are worn to the stumps, and I must
get a new supply.]